Top 10 Famous Baseball Players of All Time

Considering the popularity of baseball in the world, and the prominence of baseball players among millions of fans all over the planet, it is very difficult to prepare a top 10 list. Baseball, like Cricket is one of the most popular games today, both of which are products of centuries old folk games. But for the million of baseball fans worldwide, we have developed a list of top 10 famous baseball players of all time. The list considers many factors including media coverage and match conditions.

10. Honus Wagner:

Born on February 24, 1874, Wagner was famously known as “The Flying Dutchman” because of his unmatched speed and temperament. He won a total of eight batting titles in his career. Honus Wagner was regarded by many as one of the best all-rounders to have ever played the game. He had nearly 101 home runs and 252 triples to his name, which set him apart from his counterparts. Wagner died on December 6, 1955 at the age of 81.

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9. Jackie Robinson:

Born on January 31, 1919, Jackie Robinson was the first black baseball player who ever played the Major League Baseball (MLB). Known largely as the one who overcame the predominant color-based discrimination policies in the then US, Robinson stood firm, played well and won millions of hearts throughout his career. He played the game for 10 years after making his debut in 1947. He scored around 137 home runs with an astounding average of 0.311. Jackie died of a heart attack on October 24, 1972 at the age of 53.

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8. Lou Gehrig:

A player with huge fan following, Lou Gehrig made his debut in the year 1923 and played for nearly 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on June 19, 1903 Lou had a total of 493 home runs at a batting average of 0.340. He has been inducted to the coveted baseball Hall of Fame. Famously known as “The Iron Horse,” he won the “Most Valuable Player” award in 1927. Gehrig died at his home on June 2, 1941. He was only 37.

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7. Tyrus Raymond Cobb:

Born on December 18, 1886 Tyrus Raymond Cobb made his debut in Major League Baseball in 1905. Tyrus played for 23 long years and earned fans from all over the world. He has 90 MLB game records to his credit. With a batting average of 0.366, he is considered to be one of the very best in the world of baseball has ever seen. He was included in the MLB Team of the Century and was nominated for Baseball Hall of Fame. A player with fine blend of commitment and temperament, Tyrus Raymond Cobb died on July 17, 1961 aged 74.

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6. Joe DiMaggio:

Joe DiMaggio was one of the famous players that ever played the game. Born on November 25, 1914 Joe was even famous among his opponents. The fan following of this player was – and still is – in huge numbers, more than anyone else who ever played the game. Joe followed the great baseball player Lou Gehrig as the captain of Yankees and led the team to new heights. He was always famous for his loud hustles while hitting a shot in the field. Joe DiMaggio was 84 when he died on March 8, 1999.

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5. Ted Williams:

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With a batting average of 0.344 and a total number of 521 home runs, Ted Williams remains as one of the most respected baseball players in the world. Born on August 30, 1918, he was better known as “The Kid” and “The Thumper” throughout his baseball career. He is considered as one of the top baseball players who maintained a consistent batting average throughout his career. One of the most powerful hitters, Ted was famous for playing with a very lightweight bat. Ted died on July 5, 2002, aged 83.

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4. Mark McGwire:

With a career spanning over 15 years, Mark McGwire made a national debut in the year 1987 with the Oakland Athletics. He scored a total of 583 home runs at a phenomenal average of 0.588. Born on October 1, 1963 Mark was the first ballot inductee in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He retired in 2001 and is still considered to be one of the most gifted baseball players, and one of the most commanding too. A player of ultimate class and composure, Mark has won many great victories for his team.

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3. Hank Aaron:

A very famous outfielder who played the game for 22 years, Hank was nicknamed “Hammer,” or “Hammerin’ Hank”. He broke ‘Babe’ Ruth’s record of highest home runs on April 8, 1974. Many rate him to be the best player of all times for the fact that he is the only player to have hit 30 or more home runs in a season at least fifteen times. Born on February 5, 1934 Hank set records in extra base hits and total bases, and has won three Gold Glove Awards during his baseball career.

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2. Albert Pujols:

Born on January 16, 1980, Albert Pujols made to the list of the most powerful hitters in the year 2008. Albert Pujols has scored a total of 473 home runs at a batting average of 0.326. He made his debut in 2001 for St. Louis Cardinals and presently plays for the Los Angeles Angels. On nine occasions, he has been selected for the All Stars award. ESPN ranked him the best player of the century recently. He is considered as a top strategist in the game.

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1. George Herman Ruth:

At number one on the list, we have George Herman Ruth, famously known as “The Bambino”, “The Sultan of Swat” or just Babe Ruth. Born on February 6, 1895, Babe made his baseball debut in the year 1914. He played for 21 years and with each passing year, his fan following continued to increase at a steady rate. He had a batting average of 0.342 and scored nearly 714 home runs. He led the Yankees to four World Series Championship wins. Also, in the year 1927 he became the only player to score 60 home runs in one season. Ruth died on August 16, 1948 at age 53. The popularity that Baseball commands across the world is because of Ruth.